🌿 Plant Safety
Toxic Plants for Dogs
Over 700 plants are known to be toxic to dogs. This guide covers the most common ones found in homes and gardens across North America — with risk levels, symptoms, and identification notes.
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Lily of the Valley
Convallaria majalis
DANGEROUS
Toxic CompoundCardiac glycosides
SymptomsHeart arrhythmias, vomiting, seizures
Common garden plant. All parts toxic. Very dangerous for dogs.
☘️
Sago Palm
Cycas revoluta
DANGEROUS
Toxic CompoundCycasin
SymptomsVomiting, liver failure, seizures, death
One of the most toxic plants for dogs. Even 1–2 seeds are lethal.
🌺
Azalea / Rhododendron
Rhododendron spp.
DANGEROUS
Toxic CompoundGrayanotoxins
SymptomsDrooling, vomiting, weakness, heart issues
Common landscape shrub. All parts toxic. Requires urgent vet care.
🍁
Autumn Crocus
Colchicum autumnale
DANGEROUS
Toxic CompoundColchicine
SymptomsGI bleeding, organ failure, bone marrow suppression
Not to be confused with Spring Crocus. Autumn Crocus is far more toxic.
🌿
Oleander
Nerium oleander
DANGEROUS
Toxic CompoundCardiac glycosides
SymptomsHeart arrhythmias, GI distress, death
Common garden plant. All parts extremely toxic. One leaf can kill.
🌻
Peace Lily
Spathiphyllum
WARNING
Toxic CompoundCalcium oxalate
SymptomsOral burning, drooling, vomiting
Very common houseplant. Painful but rarely fatal in dogs.
🪴
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
WARNING
Toxic CompoundCalcium oxalate
SymptomsIntense mouth burning, vomiting, drooling
One of the most common houseplants. Keep completely out of reach.
🌵
Aloe Vera
Aloe barbadensis
WARNING
Toxic CompoundSaponins, anthraquinones
SymptomsVomiting, diarrhea, lethargy
Gel less toxic than latex. Any ingestion warrants a vet call.
🌷
Tulip / Narcissus
Tulipa / Narcissus spp.
WARNING
Toxic CompoundTulipalin, lycorine
SymptomsVomiting, diarrhea, cardiac issues
Bulbs are most concentrated. Common in spring gardens.
🪻
English Ivy
Hedera helix
WARNING
Toxic CompoundSaponins, polyacetylenes
SymptomsVomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation
Very common trailing plant. Leaves and berries both toxic.
Toxic CompoundPhoratoxin, viscotoxins
SymptomsGI distress, heart rate changes, collapse
A classic holiday decoration that is toxic to dogs.
Toxic CompoundTaxine alkaloids
SymptomsSudden death from cardiac arrest
Extremely common hedge/ornamental plant. Berries and needles are lethal.
🌼
Daffodil
Narcissus pseudonarcissus
WARNING
Toxic CompoundLycorine
SymptomsVomiting, diarrhea, drooling, cardiac arrhythmia
All parts toxic; bulbs most concentrated. Spring garden staple.
🫚
Castor Bean
Ricinus communis
DANGEROUS
Toxic CompoundRicin
SymptomsSevere GI, organ failure, death
Ricin is one of the most toxic naturally occurring substances.
🪴
Dieffenbachia
Dieffenbachia spp.
WARNING
Toxic CompoundCalcium oxalate
SymptomsIntense oral pain, drooling, difficulty swallowing
Very common office/home plant. Can cause temporary inability to speak.
🍄
Death Cap Mushroom
Amanita phalloides
DANGEROUS
Toxic CompoundAmatoxins
SymptomsVomiting, liver failure, death
Responsible for most pet and human mushroom deaths. No antidote.